Tom Barminski Custom

dayuhan13

dayuhan13

Joined
Feb 20, 2003
Messages
415
I received a Tom Barminski custom fixed blade for Christmas. It is 12 1/2" OAL, with a 7 1/2" long (6" cutting edge), 1" wide, 1/8" thick 440C bead blasted blade, and a 5" blue stained bird's eye maple ergonomic handle. The knife has a unique integral guard that almost seems to be randomly placed choils. The sheath is a simple but functional made of black leather with surprisingly tight retention but no means for belt carry. A custom sheath, perhaps kydex in the near future.

The knife is very fast, lively, and has natural feel in the hand. I had very little expectation from the blade considering its anemic dimensions but proved itself far beyond it's appearance. It has a surgery sharp edge and point that seems rather delicate but voracious on soft targets. This is the first knife I have handled that has FMA applications in its blood. That'll be explained in another post.

I've found very little about the maker online. I was able to make contact with him only to find out that he has "retired" from knife making but still has all the equipment and supplies should he feel the desire to start again. I was wondering if anyone else has a similar piece or another of his designs. If so, your opinions. Everyone else should feel free to comment as well.

Thanks,
Dayuhan
BAR1.75.JPG
 
I just picked one up in November at the AKCA show in Phoenix. There was a dealer there going out of business and he sold it to me at his cost. I can see why Barminski (although his brother is still making knives, but not near as nice) went out of business, this knife was outstanding in materials and workmanship and should've sold for a lot more. Mine has a 10" blade of mirror polished D2, maroon colored micarta handles, and a massive skull crusher. The sheath is mediocre but serviceable, but the knife is really great. A couple of weeks after the show I had been talking to D'Holder and Charlie Weiss and both of them categorically stated that there is no maker that mirror polishes D2 as it would be to expensive due to the time and effort to do it...Then I showed them the Barminski and all they could do is shake their heads.

http://burkstar.com/Knives/Images/Barminski Bowie 1.jpg
http://burkstar.com/Knives/Images/Barminski Bowie 2.jpg
 
I have a Barminski that I've had for a long time. I picked it up when I was about 17 while on a trip. Didn't have any clue about custom knives at the time, just thought it looked nice :) I was told what the steel was, but I don't remember now. It's beautifully mirror polished though and has colored wood handles pinned on. Came with a nice brown leather sheath. It's a clippoint pattern with a 5" or so blade.

I too tried to find some info on the maker and found that there wasn't much out there.
 
Burkstar

I like your Barminski! I spoke with the person who gave me the knife and asked her if there were other knives by the maker available. She said that there were LOTS, at least 30, in various shapes and sizes. She wouldn't tell me where she bought the knife but said that she might be able to take a few photos on her digital to get an idea of what was available. I'm interested in picking up a few more especially after seeing yours.

Slide13

How long ago was 17 for you? I'd like to get an idea of how long he's been making knives. Even though I spoke with Mr. Barminski, I really didn't get much personal info about him. I plan on getting in touch with him some time in the near future just to check if he has gotten the itch to grind again. I'd love for him to make a copy of my knife just stouter all around and perhaps a longer blade.

Dayuhan
 
I'm 24 now, so I bought it about 7 years ago. So I guess it hasn't been THAT long :)
 
Mr. Barminski has has been at it for a long time, around 20 years or so. He use to only sell to dealers in bulk. They tend to grind out knives in batches, not to many one off's.

Here's William's Website- www.barminskiknives.com .

There is a bit on rec.knives also.
 
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